I am highly honoured to address you at this Second Regional Meeting on Aid Effectiveness, South-South Cooperation and Capacity Development in Africa, taking place here in Tunis. This Regional Event provides us with a unique opportunity to share perspectives and dialogue on the inter-related themes which will define and shape the development policy issues of the developing world, including Africa.

First, let me convey my special thanks to Mr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank for welcoming all of us most warmly to the beautiful Mediterranean city of Tunis. The warmth and serenity of Tunis as evident in the friendliness of the Government and people of Tunisia symbolize African solidarity and unity. I fully recognize the cooperation spirit between the NEPAD Agency and the African Development Bank in co-organizing this Second Regional Event. Most of all, I am grateful for this opportunity to deliver the keynote address on Africa's changing development landscape, at this opening plenary session.

Distinguished delegates;

Africa is witnessing a change dynamism that is globally acknowledged. Our Continent is making steady and considerable progress in its transformation agenda by embracing far-reaching political and socio-economic reforms in spite of the daunting challenges. This transformation development agenda is within a challenging, complex and ever-changing context. Indeed, African countries and peoples have become the epicenter of global attention, with virtually all sub-regions witnessing some form of positive change!

Undoubtedly, Africa‘s development space is changing for good! The African Union and its flagship NEPAD Programme encompass the spirit and essence of this African renewal. The commitment of African Leaders to the renewal agenda drives the prime values of ownership and leadership as the foundation of the Continent‘s new approach to development.

But what are the development issues facing Africa; which of these issues have captured global attention in the 21st Century? What factors shape the development landscape that we are in today?